Position: Research:Research Associate III - Genome Sequencing Center

　　Position Type:Full-Time

　　Salary Range: $50,000 - $65,000

　　INSTITUTE OVERVIEW

　　HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is a nonprofit organization dedicated to using genomics to improve life through developing and applying scientific advances to health, agriculture, learning and commercialization. The HudsonAlpha campus co-locates nonprofit scientific researchers with entrepreneurs, educators and business leaders, and is home to more than 45 diverse biotech companies. The Institute's campus is located within the Cummings Research Park, the nation's second-largest research park, in Huntsville, Alabama. Additionally, HudsonAlpha began an initiative with the City of Dothan in 2022 to locate part of the campus in the Wiregrass area. HudsonAlpha is a national and international leader in genetics and genomics research and biotech and STEM education. To learn more about HudsonAlpha, visithudsonalpha.org.

　　The HudsonAlpha Genome Sequencing Center (www.hudsonalpha.org/gsc) is a not-for-profit research group whose mission is to generates high quality genomic resources and analysis to enable discovery for public science. The Center, led by Jeremy Schmutz and Jane Grimwood, works on a wide range of ongoing plant and human projects that are funded and founded by a diverse set of collaborations with governmental, non-profit, industry, and academic partners. These collaborations offer a diverse set of study systems, research goals, and cutting-edge research opportunities.

　　We are seeking a highly motivated and resilient Research Associate III to join our library construction and sequencing group. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, have exceptional communication skills and have prior experience in a molecular biology laboratory.This position will be focused on the development of methods and applications for long read sequencing on the PacBio platform and a qualified candidate will have relevant previous experience and a demonstrated ability to troubleshoot through development issues from sample and library preparation to sequencing.

　　A Research Associate III carries out research protocols as determined by the Principal Investigator. The Associate follows procedures exactly as outlined, ensuring the consistency of research practices and, ultimately, helping ensure the consistency and integrity of project outcomes. The Associate also provides feedback in the case that procedures are not producing as expected. The Associate must be able to adapt to modifications in protocol, changes in equipment or upgrades in software, as well as adjustments to the scope of research projects.

　　Research Associate positions fall among several levels that are generally progressive and reflect increasing proficiency. However, it is not to be expected that a Research Associate will continually promote upward. The assigned level depends on the complexity of actual duties and responsibilities and is not necessarily a reflection of tenure.

　　Proficient in all aspects of basic laboratory procedure and/or data collection, including ability to review laboratory results/data for general quality and consistencyMust have a team-orientated mindset who is comfortable in a production sequencing environmentBe able to follow a Standard Operating Protocol and be able to troubleshoot the protocolBe able to manage concurrent tasks in various stages of completionMentors junior research staff and traineesTrain others as needed for new protocols, equipment and software updates etcAs a team player, provide back-up as needed to other res arch team membersTroubleshoot basic equipment issuesMaintain an accurate and up-to-date laboratory notebook or tracks work as required by the project or supervisorLeads general lab maintenance such as cleaning freezers, shared lab space and equipment, and ordering and stocking shared reagents and consumablesOther duties as assigned

　　Bachelor's degree in a life or physical science field requiring hands-on laboratory work and 5 years' experience or a Masters' degree and 3 years' experienceMeticulous attention to detail, both in actual laboratory practice and in documentationGood organizational and communication skills and be able to effectively convey ideas and informationPreference will be given to those with experience working with High Molecular Weight DNA and constructing long-read sequencing librariesPreference will be given to those with experience working in a molecular biology or sequencing laboratoryPreference will be given to those with hands-on experience working with specialized laboratory equipment such as liquid handlers and DNA sequencersExcellent laboratory skills, including proficiency in pipetting, documentation, and procedureAbility to accurately measurements and prepare chemical solutions and buffers as requiredAbility to understand protocols, clarify as needed, and perform protocols with consistency, as demonstrated through previous laboratory experienceAbility to operate basic laboratory equipment (PCR machine, gel electrophoresis, tabletop centrifuge, etc.) and troubleshoot basic problemsAbility to train others to perform protocols and use equipment

　　ADA Requirements- The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

　　Disclaimer- All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

　　Physical Demands

　　Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sit or stand) for prolonged periods (50% of the time).Frequently moving between work areas.Frequently moving, transporting, and positioning materials up to 30 pounds.Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.Frequent operation of common office equipment (e.g. computers, mobile devices, calculators, copiers, scanners) and laboratory equipment.Frequently position self (e.g. stoop, crouch, crawl, bend) and pull/push, grasp/squeeze, wrist flexion/extension, reach to operate and maintain laboratory equipment.Environmental Factors

　　Exposure to chemical, mechanical and electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes, and airborne particles.Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.Mental Functions

　　Continuous mental and visual attention, requiring sustained attention and observation.

　　Excellent fine motor ski